Huntsville in Walker County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Forrest Lodge No. 19, A.F. & A.M.

Photographed by Mansfieldphoto.com, September 13, 2025

1. Forrest Lodge No. 19, A.F. & A.M. Marker

Inscription. One of 25 lodges started during the Republic of Texas, Forrest Lodge No. 19, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, was chartered on Jan. 11, 1844. It is the eighth oldest lodge in Texas. Among its early members were Sam Houston and Texas historian Henderson Yoakum. Another outstanding member, William Martin Taylor (1817-1871), is known as "The Father of the Texas Work". He published a handbook called "Taylor's Monitor" which brought uniformity to Texas Masonic ritual. It was approved by the Grand Lodge at a meeting held here in 1858. At least 28 local Masons have attained offices in the Grand Lodge.

The upper floor of a store owned by Alexander McDonald, the first worshipful master, served as an early meeting place. A two-story lodge hall on the north side of the square, built in 1850, was destroyed by fire in 1881. It was replaced by a brick building near the corner of University and 11th Street in 1883. The present property was acquired in 1896 and the new structure dedicated in 1909.

The Masons have shared their facilities with the Red Cross, the First Baptist Church, and the public schools. Lodge funds have aided distressed members, widows, and orphans; bought war bonds; and supplied scholarships.

Erected 1978 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 8453.)

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Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Industry & Commerce • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1859.

Location. 30° 43.385′ N, 95° 32.995′ W. Marker is in Huntsville, Texas, in Walker County. It is on 12th Street, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1030 12th Street, Huntsville TX 77342, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South

and on the Gulf Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Sam Houston Whittling Site (within shouting distance of this marker); First Meeting Site of Huntsville's Masonic Lodge (within shouting distance of this marker); Henry Opera House (within shouting distance of this marker); Memorial Gazebo (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of Pleasant Gray's Trading Post (within shouting distance of this marker); Walker County (within shouting distance of this marker); The Five Courthouses of Walker County (within shouting distance of this marker); Cornerstone of the Fourth Courthouse (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Huntsville.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.